Residents of Kano State are reeling in shock and outrage following allegations of a fatal medical error at a local hospital. Aishatu Umar, a patient who underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September 2025, reportedly died after enduring four months of intense abdominal pain. According to her family, a pair of scissors was left inside her body during the operation, which was only discovered two days before her death.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over patient safety and healthcare standards in the state. Aishatu’s family claims that she was taken to the hospital for surgery after falling ill, but her condition worsened shortly after the operation. Despite repeated visits to the hospital, doctors allegedly dismissed her complaints and administered painkillers without conducting thorough medical examinations.
It was only when scans were conducted two days before her death that the presence of the scissors was discovered. The family has questioned how such a serious mistake could have occurred in a health facility, describing it as a clear case of medical negligence. “How can trained medical personnel forget scissors inside a patient’s body?” asked Abubakar Mohammed, a family member. “Is that not negligence?”
The Kano State Ministry of Health has confirmed the incident and set up a committee to investigate the allegations. The management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre has yet to issue a direct response. The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, has expressed sympathy with the family and announced an immediate investigation.
The board has assured the public that the investigation will be transparent and professional, with disciplinary measures to be taken if negligence is confirmed. “Patient safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State,” the board stated.
The incident has sparked strong reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and stricter monitoring of medical facilities across the state. The family has called on the Kano State Government, health authorities, and regulatory agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. As the investigation unfolds, the case is likely to raise important questions about medical standards and patient care in Nigeria.
